A committed a team of 25 runners from Raine & Horne Commercial yesterday took on the challenging 14-kilometre Sun Herald City2Surf to raise almost $6,000 for the Leukaemia Foundation.

The running squad was organised by fitness fanatic and amateur boxer Luke Smith, Director of Raine & Horne Commercial Inner West/South Sydney, with the fund-raising efforts supported by the Raine & Horne Group.

Apart from the network’s offices in Sydney’s Inner West and South Sydney, runners from Raine & Horne Commercial’s teams in North Sydney, Newcastle and Marrickville competed in the legendary running classic.

“We decided to support the Leukaemia Foundation as it is the only national charity helping those with blood disorders like leukaemia survive,” said Mr Smith, who clocked a very competitive 1.02.50 for the gruelling course.

Leukaemia, lymphoma, and myeloma are all types of blood cancer, and they can develop in anyone, of any age, at any time. Another 35 Australians are diagnosed every day, according to the Leukaemia Foundation.

Although improved treatments and care are helping more people survive, sadly someone loses their life to blood cancer every two hours. Blood cancer is the third most common cause of cancer death in Australia, claiming more lives than breast cancer or melanoma.

Mr Smith continued, “Given these statistics, we feel the more people that know about the Leukaemia Foundation, the greater the charity’s impact will be in helping fight this major health scourge.”

Events such as the City2Surf are also useful for building harmony and collaboration between offices in the Raine & Horne Commercial network, Mr Smith commented.

“We have a few sore bodies in our Sydney and Newcastle offices today. But running in the City2Surf is a good opportunity to be active, build camaraderie in the network and support a good cause, especially as we have a team member directly affected by leukaemia.” said Mr Smith.

The team ran to support a personal cause

Yesterday’s City2Surf was poignant for Jason Morris, a Commercial Sales Agent from Raine & Horne Commercial Newcastle, who competed on behalf of his mother, Patricia Morris. Mrs Morris is currently undergoing treatment for leukaemia in Westmead Hospital.

“Running in the City2Surf has always been a bucket list item for me, but mum’s situation has kicked me into gear,” said Mr Morris.

“I’ve never run more than 10 kilometres. But this year’s event is close to my heart, and I want to do my bit to help raise awareness for the Leukaemia Foundation and the fight against blood cancers.”

Mr Morris continued, “Leukaemia affects so many people, and until you’re affected directly, you don’t realise how many people are impacted.”

To support the work of the Leukaemia Foundation, visit the charity’s website at www.leukaemia.org.au/